Australia lose openers on rain-curtailed Day 2

Deteriorating light conditions and rain thereafter ensured only 46 overs were possible on Day 2 of the third and final Test in Sydney. Pakistan’s largely disciplined bowling meant Australia made slow but steady progress in their reply, ticking off only 110 from the overnight deficit for the loss of both set openers.

The overcast skies turned a bit dark and gloomy almost as soon as play resumed in the second session, with Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja seeking to rebuild having lost David Warner on 34 on the stroke of Lunch. Subsequently, the lights took full effect as Labuschagne took the hosts to the 100-run mark.

Just short of the drinks break, Pakistan challenged a caught-behind appeal against Khawaja that was turned down on-field. Replays confirmed the Australian opener had indeed gloved a shortish delivery from Aamer Jamal to the keeper, who convinced his captain to avail DRS and was proven right. Khawaja missed out on a half-century by just three runs.

Steve Smith was off and running with a swivel-pull in the same over but light conditions quickly worsened for the standing umpires to allow for only spin from both ends. Pakistan wanted to persist with pace, thereby forcing a halt in proceedings and eventually leading to an early Tea break.

Rain arrived shortly afterwards, reducing the chances of on-time resumption for the final session. Australia still trailed by 197 as play was called off for the day around 5PM with 44 overs wasted. Day 3 will see a half an hour early start as a result, with the game evenly poised.

Brief scores:
Australia 116/2 in 47 overs (Usman Khawaja 47, Marnus Labuschagne 23*; Aamer Jamal 1-26) trail  Pakistan 313 in 77.1 overs by 197 runs